Characterisation of the Bioactivity and the Solubility of a New Root Canal Sealer

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyse the effect of using phosphate buffer solution (PBS) on the solubility, pH changes, surface structure, and elemental composition of a new bioceramic Cerafill sealer compared with Endosequence sealer and AH26 resin-based sealer. METHODS: A fresh mixture of each sealer moistened with either deionised water or PBS was subjected to a setting time test. Set discs (n = 10) were submerged in either deionised water or PBS to evaluate pH changes and solubility at 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Surface characterisation of the sealers was done before and after solubility tests using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses. RESULTS: An analysis of variance revealed a significant delay in setting of BC-Endosequence (P < .001) with no significant difference when each sealer was moistened with deionised water or PBS (P > .05). Both bioceramic sealers exhibited highly alkaline pH (range, 9.47–10.72). When the sealer was submerged in deionised water, Endosequence exhibited significantly greater solubility, whilst Cerafill and AH26 gained weight. When the sealers were submerged in PBS, both bioceramic sealers gained more weight, with significantly greater values for Endosequence (P < .001). Hydroxyapatite formation was revealed by SEM/EDX and FTIR. CONCLUSIONS: PBS promoted the formation of hydroxyapatite crystals that protect the bioceramic sealers from dissolving.